Secret Service investigates reports of gunfire near White House

No injuries reported after incident near Lafayette Park across from president's residence

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:13pm

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The U.S. Secret Service said it is investigating overnight reports of gunfire near Lafayette Park, which is across the street from the White House. No injuries were reported and no suspect was found after a search of the park and surrounding area following the incident just after midnight. President Trump was spending the weekend at the White House, which had no immediate comment on the incident.

Why it matters

The White House and surrounding areas are highly secured locations, and any reports of gunfire or potential threats are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of the president and those in the vicinity of the White House.

The details

According to the Secret Service, the agency is working with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Park Police to investigate the reports of gunfire. The park has been fenced off for weeks of renovations, and security in the area was increased following the incident.

  • The reports of gunfire came just after midnight on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the president, vice president, and other high-ranking government officials, as well as investigating financial crimes.

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Washington, D.C.

U.S. Park Police

The United States Park Police is a law enforcement agency within the National Park Service that is responsible for protecting the national parks, monuments, and other federally owned properties in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

President Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who was spending the weekend at the White House during the time of the incident.

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What’s next

The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate the reports of gunfire and determine if any charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures in place around the White House and the importance of maintaining vigilance to protect the president and the public.